FAQ

Getting Started

How do I access the Public Works Contractor Registration Service?

What is Public Works Contractor Registration (PWCR)?

How to Apply

What documents do I need to have with me to apply for a certificate?

I have other questions regarding my Public Works Contractor Registration.

Payment

What is the application fee for Public Works Contractor Registration?

Can I get a refund?

What types of payment are accepted?

Technical

Is there a number I can call if I need technical help with completing/submitting my application?

What browsers are supported? How can I update my browser?

I exited out of my Public Works Contractor Registration application half way through. Can I go back and restore my original session/information?

I clicked on the continue button on a page and nothing happened. What do I do now?

Application Status

How do I check the status of my Certificate application?

The status of my Certificate application says “Application Approved.” What does that mean?

The status of my Certificate application says “Application Received Being Processed.” What does that mean?

The status of my Certificate application says “Additional Info Required. Please Contact the Department of Labor and Workforce Development,” What does that mean?

 

How do I access the Public Works Contractor Registration Service?

Go to www.njportal.com/lwd/pwcr. This is the website where you can apply online for a Public Works Contractor Registration certificate.

 

What is Public Works Contractor Registration (PWCR)?

The New Jersey Public Works Contractor Registration Act requires all contractors, subcontractors, or lower tier subcontractors to register with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development prior to bidding on or engaging in any work in the State of New Jersey for which the payment of prevailing wage is required in the state of New Jersey. For more information about public works contractor registration, please visit the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s PWCR FAQs at https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/registration-permits/register/publicworksregistration.shtml

 

What documents do I need to have with me to apply for a certificate?

When you apply for a Certificate, you should have several items handy. You will need the business’s FEIN, a credit card or e-check information, Workers’ Compensation policy number and effective and expiration dates, and if you keep your payroll records outside of New Jersey, payroll information. Having these documents handy will make your application process faster and easier.

 

I have other questions regarding my Public Works Contractor Registration.

For other questions regarding the Public Works Contractor Registration process, please visit the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s PWCR FAQs at https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/registration-permits/register/publicworksregistration.shtml

 

What is the application fee for Public Works Contractor Registration?

The fee structure for Public Works Contractor Registration is as follows: $500 for a first-time Certificate or a one-year Certificate renewal, $750 for a two-year Certificate renewal. In addition to this fee, there is a service fee of $4 plus a fee of 1.9% if you are using a credit card.

 

Can I get a refund?

The fees for Public Works Contractor Registration are non-refundable.

 

What types of payment are accepted?

You can pay for your certificate using either a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express) or e-check.

 

Is there a number I can call if I need technical help with completing/submitting my application?

Yes. For help completing your PWCR application or regarding the PWCR application process, you can call (609)-292-9464. Support is available at this number from 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri.
For technical support, you may contact the New Jersey e-Goverment Services Help Desk at (609)-586-2600 or send an email to support@njportal.com.
For other questions regarding the Public Works Contractor Registration process, please visit the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s PWCR FAQs at https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/registration-permits/register/publicworksregistration.shtml

 

What browsers are supported? How can I update my browser?

The following browsers are supported for the Online Public Works Contractor Registration Application when updated to the latest version. Links with instructions on how to update your browser to the latest version are listed in the table below:

 

I exited out of my Public Works Contractor Registration application half way through. Can I go back and restore my original session/information?

No. Unfortunately, you will need to go back online and start the contractor registration application process over again as your information will not be saved.

 

I clicked on the continue button on a page and nothing happened. What do I do now?

You need to fill in all the required fields on the webpage. Required fields will have an asterisk (*) on the title.

 

How do I check the status of my Certificate application?

On the Public Works Contractor Registration website front page, click on the “Check Status of a Contractor Registration Application” option and enter the confirmation number you received via email when you applied online. The status of your submission will then be displayed.

 

The status of my Certificate application says “Application Approved.” What does that mean?

Good news! It means that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development has reviewed and approved your application and your certificate will be emailed to your business email address shortly. You can also check the Department’s List of Registered Public Works Contractors at https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiN2E4MDhiZjQtMTQyNi00YzliLTk3NDAtNjhhNGY0MTQ3Mzg1IiwidCI6IjUwNzZjM2QxLTM4MDItNGI5Zi1iMzZhLWUwYTQxYmQ2NDJhNyJ9

 

The status of my Certificate application says “Application Received Being Processed.” What does that mean?

It means that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is still in the process of reviewing your Public Works Contractor Registration application. Please allow 30 days for processing. You may check back regularly to see if your application has been approved.

 

The status of my Certificate application says “Additional Info Required. Please Contact the Department of Labor and Workforce Development,” What does that mean?

It means that your application has been reviewed and that there is an existing issue or question about your application. The Department will typically send you a written notice by email and give you the opportunity to respond or resolve the issue. For more information about this status, please visit the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s PWCR FAQs at https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/registration-permits/register/publicworksregistration.shtml